Mahela Jayawardene century leaves second Test even

Mahela Jayawardene’s second Test century in as many games put paid to an impressive start by England’s bowlers and left the match evenly poised after day one.

Sri Lanka were struggling at 30-3 when their talisman came to the crease after a devastating bowling spell from James Anderson.

Mahela Jayawardene battled to a century to keep Sri Lanka in the second Test (Getty)

Despite the hosts winning the toss and electing to bat on a flat wicket, the Lancashire paceman ripped through the top order, to end with figures of 3-52.

But Jayawardene, whose knock of 180 in Galle settled last week’s series opener, formed a 124-run partnership with Thilan Samaraweera, who eventually fell to Tim Bresnan, a replacement for Stuart Broad, for 54.

He then formed a useful partnership with Angelo Mathews before finally falling to Graeme Swann for 105 after an lbw decision was upheld by DRS.

His dismissal was a boost for Andrew Strauss’ men, who then took the new ball.

Steve Finn came up with England’s sixth wicket of the day, having Prasanna Jayawardene caught behind by Matt Prior for seven.

By stumps on day one Sri Lanka had reached 238-6, with Mathews unbeaten on 41, alongside Suraj Randiv who had just five on the scoreboard.

England are looking to level the two-match series in Colombo and end a run of four consecutive Test defeats.